Anne Patrick's Blog, page 21

Read an Ebook Week Begins Sunday!

Did you know the very first Ebook was created 40 years ago?  Have you tried one yet? If not, this week is a great time to find free and discounted ebooks from a multitude of authors in a wide variety of genres and on every topic under the sun.

Please visit the following pages to take advantage of special offers from the authors of Victory Tales Press, Western Trail Blazer and Publishing by Rebecca J. Vickery

Free ebooks from Mar 6-12, 2011. Enter coupon code - RE100
Christmas Dessert Decadence https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Buzzard's View https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Jonquils in the Snow by Laurean Brooks http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
The Rescue by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

50% off ebooks from Mar 6-12, 2011. Enter coupon code - RAE50
A Court Lady by Clova Leighton http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

25% off ebooks from Mar 6-12, 2011. Enter coupon code - RAE25
Anthologies
A Summer Collection Anthology https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Halloween Collection: Sweet https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Stimulating: A Halloween Collection https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Christmas Collection: Sweet https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Christmas Collection: Sensual https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Christmas Collection: Stimulating https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Christmas Collection: Spicy https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Valentine Collection: Sweet https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Bloodmaiden: a fantasy anthology https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
A Mystery/Suspense Collection: Sweet https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Westerns
Bad Wind Blowing by Peter Brandvold https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Bound for Texas by Kit Prate https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Brothers in Arms by Troy D. Smith https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Caleb's Price by Troy D. Smith https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Capture the Lightning by Madeline Baker https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Jason Kilkenny's Gun by Kit Prate https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Long Ride to Limbo by Kit Prate https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Passion's Promise by Madeline Baker https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Riding to Sundown by Troy D. Smith https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Vulture Gold by Chuck Tyrell https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Multi-Genre
Chances Are by Laura Shinn http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Eli: Warriors for the Light by Karen Michelle Nutt http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Familiar Shadows by Bert Goolsby http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Following Destiny by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
I Love God's Creatures by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Looking Through the Mist by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
No Greater Love by Kinzie Monroe http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Seeking Shelter by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Surviving With Love by Rebecca J. Vickery http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Your Place or Mine by D. S. Craver http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...

Please feel free to share these links and coupon codes with your friends, family, and groups.

Fire and Ash Nominated Best Inspirational Romance

I received word last night that Fire and Ash has been nominated by TRR reviewers for Best in Inspirational Romance for 2010 at The Romance Reviews ("TRR").  If you'd like to vote for it I sure would appreciate it!

http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php

It was a great ending to an awesome week.  Congratulations to all the winners at our Blog Party!  And a huge THANK YOU to Miss Mae for hosting the event. 

So what do you think of my new look?  It's quite different than usual, and I'm not sure I'm going to stick with it.  I do love the header though.  Be sure to check out My Books page, I revamped it too.  It's more suspenseful.

Mystery Anthology Kickoff!

Alright! Tomorrow, the mystery anthology by Victory Tales Press will be hitting the markets. The authors of the novellas contained in the book are celebrating by throwing a blog party. So here's the deal. Tomorrow, March 1st, go to Miss Mae's Blog , sign in, read some excerpts from the stories, and leave a comment. At 8pm, Miss Mae will draw four names from all those who commented throughout the day, to receive an absolutely FREE copy of the book.

Also throughout the month, here on my blog I'll be posting blurbs and excerpts from the anthology. We'll start with wonderful Miss Mae. Do check back each week and be sure to leave a comment. Who knows, I may have a prize to give away at the end of the month.

Miss Mae's Bio:
Miss Mae is the author of several award-winning and best-selling mysteries, including Said the Spider to the Fly, See No Evil, My Pretty Lady, and When the Bough Breaks. She also writes humor and non-fiction articles. Besides her monthly contributions to the ezine American Chronicle, some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and Writers Weekly. And she's the moderator of The Sweetest Romance Authors Yahoo Group, a group of romance authors who makes sure their romance stories stick straight to a G-rating. You can learn more about Miss Mae at her website: http://www.missmaesite.com/

Miss Penelope's Letters blurb:
The letters arrive unsigned. The writer demands that Penelope meet him in one of London's most ill-reputed and darkest streets. When she dares to keep the assignations, she encounters a man in a black mask who leaves her breathless from his stolen kiss. Yet he claims the reason for their surreptitious tryst is an honorable one. Should she believe him? Can he be trusted?

Excerpt:

White teeth gleamed in the moonlight as a devilish grin was tossed across his shoulder. "Have faith." He released a sharp whistle, the high note threatening to pierce Penelope's eardrum. Hoof beats clattered on a nearby street. An instant later, a midnight stallion trotted up before them, and with one fluid movement, the man leaped into the saddle. Before Penelope could utter a word, he leaned down, grasped her about the waist, and lifted her bodily off the ground. She barely had time to clench the horse's mane before the animal dashed off at breakneck speed.

With no idea of their intended destination, Penelope tried in vain to make sense of her surroundings. But the darkness of the night, and the zigzagged flight through a labyrinth of streets and alleys served only to confuse her already bewildered mind. She knew nothing to do except to pray she stayed atop the powerfully galloping beast.

The man's arms tightened around her as he pulled on the reins. Obediently, the horse slowed its wild ride, coming to stop before a pair of iron gates that Penelope's dulled senses vaguely recognized.

She slid to the ground and teetered off balance. Leaning from the saddle, the man clutched her elbow to help steady her. Blue eyes crinkled as they watched her from behind their covering mask.

"All safe now, Miss Penelope." His husky voice murmured the words almost like a caress.

"Who are you?" She grasped the edge of the cape that swung across his shoulder. "Why did you send for me? What—?"

Before she could ask any more questions, he cut in with, "I must go. Until next time, my sweet."

"No!" A spurt of anger drowned her fear and confusion. "There won't be a next time!"

His mouth covered hers in a hard, thorough kiss. "You'll come." Heels kicking the stallion, the man's broad shouldered form rode off into the night.

Beginning Tuesday, March 1st you can purchase the anthology in ebook here or print here !

Mystery/Suspense Anthology coming March 1st!

My short story Dangerous Deception is included in this 'sweet' mystery/suspense anthology.  Journalist Gwen Jacobs thrived on dangerous assignments. That is until her ambition led to the massacre of an entire African village. Now, a year later, she's been offered a chance at redemption and the opportunity to expose the men behind the slaughter. Unaware of the secrets she carries, or the danger they could bring if exposed, philanthropist Jack Peterson and his small group of humanitarians welcome Gwen on their journey of hope with the understanding she will tell the world of the atrocities taking place amidst a civil war. But when Gwen's deception is uncovered and a rebel commander learns who she is, not only is Gwen's life on the line, the whole group could die.

You Gotta Read Reviews gave this anthology thier highest rating! "Dangerous Deception was an action packed read that had my mind reeling as to what could possibly happen next...it will leave you breathless."

Excerpt from Dangerous Deception


As usual, the Market was bustling with activity and Gwen seized the opportunity to get some shots of the children playing in the streets. She heard Jack chuckle and glanced over.

"You only wanted to come along so you could get some more pictures."

"You sound disappointed," she teased, hoping the interest he'd been showing in her the past couple of days wasn't just her imagination.

"Maybe a little." He smiled as he searched through a mound of papaya, gently squeezing each one he chose. "So is there a special man in your life back in London?"

Gwen couldn't help the grin that sprang to her lips. She attempted to take his picture, but he refused to look at her. "You should know. You had me checked out, remember?"

"Only Michael was mentioned, and I can't seem to picture the two of you together." He moved on to the mangos, glancing back only briefly.

"We're not... At least, not anymore."

"That's good to know."

So he is interested on a more personal level. Her stomach tingled at the thought.

"Is Michael the reason you moved to London?"

She nodded, lowering the camera to her side. "I thought I was in love. It took me three years to figure out he was a jerk."

"May I ask what brought you to that conclusion?" he asked with barely a glance.

"When you spend 24/7 with a person you really get to know them. Sometimes better than you want."

"Liberia?"

"Among other places. He was a cameraman with great instincts. He went for the shots that no one else would."

"He must have been good at it, if he owns his own paper now."

"That was always his dream."

"Was it your dream as well…I mean, to be a part of it?"

"It was until I realized what he was willing to do for it."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out for you, Gwen."

She met his gaze. He had the warmest eyes she'd ever seen. "I'm not. He taught me a lot about myself; about the person I was, and the person I want to be."

"And who is that?" He tilted his head slightly.

She shrugged her shoulder and said, "This, what I'm doing now, here in Dewana. I don't want to just report the news. I want to make a difference."

With a grin, Jack turned back to the vendor.

Stealing a glance, she watched him pay for the fruit. Just as he turned, she scooted over to the next booth and pretended to be busy looking over the merchandise.

"For your meeting with the general?" Jack asked over her shoulder.

She turned, coming within inches of him. Her pulse quickened as her eyes settled on his perfect, full lips. A brief image of him kissing her flashed through her mind. "Excuse me?" She stepped back, her eyes meeting his.

He nodded toward the table. "The scarves.

Gwen tore her gaze away from him and glanced down at the table where an assortment of brightly colored head scarves was displayed. "Oh...umm...yeah." She picked one up and held it to her face, peering over the edge at him. "What do you think?"

"I like this one better." He sat his bags on the ground, plucked a green and black scarf from the table, and stepped toward her.

She swallowed hard. Oh for heaven's sake. He's just a man. But unlike any she'd ever met.

His hands trembled as he draped the scarf over her head and wrapped the ends around her neck. "Much better. It accents your..." He leaned forward, squinting...."golden-brown eyes."

She pushed him back, laughing.

He reached for his wallet. She tried to stop him, but he shoved her hand back. "It was my choice, so I pay."

"Fine. Since Michael didn't allow me much for personal expenses, I'll let you." She shoved her camera strap further up her shoulder. "Going free-lance wasn't the brightest idea I ever had, but it beats the alternative."

"What caused the break-up?"

Before she could answer a man bumped into her, nearly knocking her off her feet.

"Pardon, ma'am. Have you seen Sako?"

"I...um...No. I'm afraid I haven't."

"Sorry to have bothered you." His gaze shifted quickly to her pocket before dashing away.

Gwen looked down and saw a piece of paper sticking from her pocket. Glancing back at Jack, she found he was no longer smiling. She drew in a deep breath and released it. "Guess I'll see you later."

"Please let me come with you."

Though tempted, she shook her head. "I'll be fine. I'll take a cab back."

Jack returned to the fruit vendor, offered him a hundred bucks to deliver the groceries to the orphanage, then darted after Gwen. Two blocks later he saw her meet with a man dressed similar to Mr. Rajah. After a brief exchange, they both turned in Jack's direction. He blended into the crowd to avoid detection and continued to follow them through the busy streets.

Several scenarios played out in his mind. The worst one being that this was all a set-up and both he and Gwen would end up dead. What in the world was he thinking? He should have never agreed to her meeting with the enemy. He didn't care how many war zones she had been in. She was still his responsibility.

Who am I kidding? I like the woman. She's beautiful. She's exciting. And whether she wants to admit it or not, she's way in over her head on this assignment.

Jack followed them another three blocks before losing them in the crowd. He searched the buildings, trying to figure out the best one to hold a clandestine meeting with a known rebel. Across the street two police officers walked side by side, peering into the various shops and cafes. They, too, seemed to be looking for someone. Recalling Mr. Rajah's warning, he prayed it wasn't Gwen.

A disturbance outside one of the shops caught their attention. Jack backtracked to get a better look. Two men in casual clothing were shoving one another and yelling at the top of their lungs. As the policemen drew near, the men spotted them and took off running. The officers gave chase.

Relieved, Jack continued to look for Gwen. It didn't seem likely they'd meet in a public place. Or would they? He thought of the ruckus a few minutes ago. It could have been a diversion. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. What better insult to the local police than to play in their own backyard. He just had to figure out where.


Print available now , ebook available March 1st! 
 
Come help me and the other authors of this anthology celebrate at our blog party Tuesday, March 1st.  Be sure to comment for a chance to win one of our giveaways!

Check out Regina Andrews New Release!

Regina's bio: A resident of Providence, RI, Regina grew up in nearby Barrington. After graduating from Providence College she attended the University of Delaware, eventually earning her Master's Degree in American Civilization from Brown University. She is inspired by anything to do with nature, and she and her husband enjoy visiting nearby Cape Cod.  Regina's hobbies include Travel, Museums, Theater, Classical Music, Choral Singing and Gardening. She is a radio host for In-Sight, an association dedicated to providing services to the visually impaired of all ages.

Light of the Heart Blurb:

A stained-glass artist based in Boston, Cascade Preston's world is a kaleidoscope of color and beauty. She has overcome a dark childhood, deeply shadowed by domestic violence, in the town of Sterling Lakes. When she is approached to design new windows for a refurbished church in Sterling Lakes, she ignores the request. But when the no-nonsense Project Manager Dan McQuay appears looking for the window plans, the project takes on a whole new light. Will Cascade be able to keep the dark, protective cocoon she has built around herself intact, or will McQuay break through and shine new light into her heart? Is it possible that God's plan for Cascade will lead her to forgive the town that ignored the situation in her family?

Excerpt for Light of the Heart:

Chapter One
The afternoon class at Tanglewood Women's Prison was a spectrum of tension, as separated and splintered as a beam of light refracted through a prism. Cascade Preston held her student's template assignment up to the light overhead, and spoke carefully on the quality of the stained glass project.

"With two lights, or openings, Brenda, I would say your idea of a church window for this one would be correct."

Sighing, the student replied, "So you think I'm making progress?"

"Of course." She tossed her honey-colored curls behind her shoulders. "Don't you?"

Brenda snorted. "Heck, no. I'm in here for domestic assault. What do I know about progress? My life is over."

This stopped Cascade in her tracks. "Look, we all make mistakes. God has told us that sinners should flock to him. What do you think? "

Brenda shrugged. "God has his own agenda. We'll see what the parole board says about mine in two weeks."

"For now, let's focus on next week's class. Bring me a flower for that one."

"Where are we supposed to get a flower?" someone muttered.

"Draw one, stupid," Brenda answered.

"Bye, ladies. Take care."

"See you." Sad-eyed, Brenda gave her a high-five as Cascade walked past her.

Cascade's heels clicked efficiently with her every crisp step, and she made sure to shuttle as closely as possible alongside the beefy guard who escorted her from the holding room. Getting into her Corolla, she whispered a prayer. "I don't think I'm doing any good here, Lord, but I feel you telling me to stick with it. So I will. Maybe this is the kind of thing that saved my mother." She tried to block the images of her mother's bruises from her mind, but they wouldn't go away. They never did.

The drive back into Boston passed by quickly, without too much traffic. "Lean on Me" blasted from her audio system, and she sang along with all her heart. At twenty-seven, she knew it was technically an oldie, but to her, it was fresh and filled with meaning. Cascade wondered as she sang what it would feel like to have someone to lean on, because she had always been alone.

"There's only one thing that could make tonight perfect," she mused as she pulled into the parking area for her condo complex, "and that's not going to happen, for sure."

Images of her long-gone fiancé, Kevin, came into her mind and heart. Where was he this fine June evening? More importantly, why were things so much better for him without her in his life?

A form crossing her path brought her back to reality. Her eyes narrowed as she noticed someone walking towards her car. A guy -- a big guy she did not recognize.

She shaded her eyes from the late day sun. Dark hair and outdoorsy looks. Work boots. "Nope," she murmured to herself, "I don't know him."

Hopping from her car, she said, "Can I help you?"

"If you're Cascade Preston, you sure can."

He folded his arms across his chest. With all those muscles moving, Cascade could only imagine the stress put on the seams of his light blue cotton shirt.

"And you are..."

"Dan McQuay." He extended his arm towards her. "From the site."

"Hi." Cascade pumped his strong hand, lost in his sky blue eyes. "What site?"

He tilted his head. "The construction site."

"I'm not following you."

He looked at her steadily. "I'm project manager for the retrofit on the church in Sterling Lakes. The one that you're doing the windows for."

Cascade's heartbeat quickened. Just hearing the name of the town where she grew up made her anxious and tense. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding. No way am I working on anything in Sterling Lakes." She started to bustle past him. "Now if you'll excuse me?"

"Don't run away, Ms. Preston. There's a problem here."

His tone of voice got her attention. He sounded like he cared... about her. That was crazy. She was a total stranger to him.

She nodded. "Apparently there is a problem, you're right. I don't know what you're talking about. Like I said, I'm not doing any work in Sterling Lakes, and I never will. That's the last place in the world I ever would go."

He gave a slow whistle. "Well, that's a loaded speech if I ever heard one."

In spite of herself, she smiled. "I didn't mean to get all hot and huffy, but it is how I feel, and I have my good reasons."

He eyed her intently before he finally spoke. "Understood. The thing is, your name is on the plans that I have, and my crew is ready to get going. We haven't heard from you, and we need to have a job meeting. Mostly, we need your specs."

Cascade noticed the strong line of his jaw when he spoke, and oh, those bluer than blue eyes of his were so easy to get lost in. She swallowed.

"I don't know what to tell you. I'm not contracted for that job. Your project executive should be able to answer your questions." She toyed with the zipper on her oversized leather shoulder bag as she watched thunderclouds roll across his handsome face. "Look, why don't you give me his name? I'll check things out at my studio in the morning and get in touch with him. Maybe I can get to the bottom of this."

"Yup." He took his hands out of his pockets. "Here's my business card, and here's his. Try and remember, every day is money to me."

"Okay, I know. I'm in business, too, so I get it. I know every job I'm on, and this one is not on my list. Let me see if I can find out why I'm on the list of subcontractors... if I really am."

"You are."

"I shouldn't be, so there's a mistake. I never even sent in a bid."

"At least we found out something tonight," he said with a shrug. "Other than you being a whole lot prettier in person than in the pictures all those magazine articles and newspaper stories print about you."

Cascade's face warmed up at his compliment. "Now you're trying to butter me up."

"Just stating the truth, plain and simple like I always do, Ms. Preston. That's my way. Thank you for your time."

"You're welcome."

He started walking over to his truck. "Talk to you tomorrow."

"Right. And there's one more thing."

He questioned her with a wondering look.

"Please call me Cascade." Her smile lingered as she watched him drive off into the Boston twilight. Too bad this job was in Sterling Lakes. It might not be that bad to do a job with Dan McQuay. Not bad at all.

Pauline Holyoak Interview

Author Bio:… I grew in Southeast England, in a coal mining village my husband calls, "The place that time forgot." It is nested between the notorious city of Canterbury and the medieval town of Dover. I came to Canada (as a nanny) when I was 21, in search of adventure and a new life. I live in Spruce Grove, Alberta with my sports crazy husband, adorable sheltie dog and cantankerous ginger cat. We have two grown children. They are the gems in my treasure chest.


[Anne] Welcome, Pauline.  Tell me, when did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Pauline] I've always been a writer. As far back as I can remember the pen and paper have been my faithful companions and story telling my forte. As a child I would sneak away from the mundane adult world, find a private retreat (usually behind the garden shed) and imagine. There in my own little sanctuary I'd conjure up all kinds of intriguing tales and colorful characters. In my teen years my journal became my confident, revealing all my hidden secrets, private fantasies and wild notions within its pages. Later I started to write poems, articles and short stories, and pondered the thought of becoming a writer. When I immigrated to Canada I buried my dreams under layers of real life clutter. I chose a safe and practical career in child care, married and raised a family. But my creative spirit kept trying to dig its way out. I was asked to write articles and editorials for our local church. I taught a story time class at the school, which lead me to writing a children's book. I wrote an article about my husbands' prestigious grandfather and sent it to our local newspaper. They printed it. I kept sending them articles, they kept printing them. I was surprised at the compliments I received from the editor and readers. It was evident to me then that I had excavated my creative spirit.

I decided to take a comprehensive writing course to improve my technique. With help from a proficient and supportive tutor, who told me I had a gift, I began to cultivate my skill. My articles started to sell and I received an assignment from a major Canadian magazine. I have spent the past few years working on my novel, Merryweather Lodge – Ancient Revenge (a trilogy) and two children's books.

[Anne] Tell me about your latest book.

[Pauline] Merryweather Lodge – Ancient Revenge…Is about a young girl who goes to visit her aunt at her quaint little cottage in England. She had waited all of her life to visit that enchanted land but it doesn't take her long to realize that her fairytale kingdom has a sinister twist. One night in her attic bedroom she was confronted by an entity that haunts her for the rest of her stay and long after that. Later, at the age of twenty, she is to discover that this entity is someone she had known century's ago. I have created a world into which my readers can escape and an atmosphere that will evoke their imagination, stir their emotions and engage their senses. My book contains elements of romance, mystery, humor, horror and sex.


[Anne] Sounds very interesting and I love the cover!  What inspired you to write this story?

[Pauline] Every summer, when I was a child, we would visit my aunt and uncle at their quaint little cottage on Salisbury Plain. It was called Scotland Lodge and was situated not far from the historical Stonehenge. My uncle worked as a farm hand for the local squire. My aunt tended the manor house. It was there as I roamed free, deep within the English countryside, that I experienced joy, enchantment and some very strange and frightening occurrences. It was like a fairytale kingdom with a sinister twist. The memories of my summers at Scotland Lodge stayed with me, as a sort of nagging unsolved mystery all my life. A few years ago I revisited my childhood wonderland (the old place still emanates a strange and eerie essence) and was lead by some mysterious force into concocting this story and writing this book. It is from my mystifying experiences at Scotland Lodge that this book has emerged

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Pauline] I am working on the second book of my trilogy, Merryweather Lodge – The Malevolent Spirits.

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

[Pauline] I write long hand in my purple room, at my antique desk, under a large picture window. Then I type it into the cold inanimate piece of equipment I call my computer and edit as I go. Young people think this is weird, but the blank screen does not inspire me to write; the view outside my picture window does. I tend to compare my writing routine to my eating habits. Sometimes I graze, jotting down tasty morsels throughout the day. Other times I binge, feasting greedily, at my desk, for a long period of time, on something scrumptious, devouring every delicious word that comes to mind. Then, I find myself looking down at my work or my waistline and having to edit and revise.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you chose to be and why?

[Pauline] My protagonist's aunt, Emy Fletcher. She is a lovely mix of my mother and grandmother. She is hard on the outside but all soft and mushy on the inside. She is resilient, tells it like it is, doesn't give a darn what anyone thinks about her and has a heart of pure gold. Or maybe my protagonist. She gets to sleep with the gorgeous Jonathan McArthur, but she has to go through hell and back to keep him.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

[Pauline] Southern Ireland, and I'd like a quaint little cottage in the country, please.

[Anne] You've just been informed that your latest release was a NY Times bestseller and Hollywood wants to turn it into a movie. What actors would you choose to play your main characters?

[Pauline] Woo-hoo…! Well, you never know. Kristen Steward of Twilight, for my protagonist. Robert Pattinson also of Twilight, for her lover. Judith Dench for Auntie Em.

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you're not writing?

[Pauline] I read across genres. My favorite authors are, Rosamunde Pilcher, John Saul, Libba Bray, Judith Lennox, Dr. Wayne Dyer. My favorite book of all times is Anne of Green Gables.

[Anne] Name three things you can't live without (excluding spouses and family because that's a given).

[Pauline] My computer, my coffee percolator and chocolate!

[Anne] What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?

[Pauline] Sieve through the numerous bits of advice from so-called experts and well meaning people. We are all different; we all have our own way for deciphering information, our own idiosyncrasies, and different writing styles. What works for me might not work for you. So read and listen, keep what works for you and disregard the rest. Believe in yourself and your work. Perseverance, patience and bold determination are what most published authors have in common.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Pauline] www.paulineholyoak.com

[Anne]Where can we purchase your books?

[Pauline] www.whiskeycreekpress.com www.amazon.com www.fictionwise.com Locally at Cole, Audreys and Greenwood Books. Or you can contact me for an autographed copy.

[Anne] Is there anything else you'd like to add?

[Pauline] I'd like to thank you, so very much for inviting me to your page, Anne. And ask your readers to visit me at my website or join me on facebook. View my video and read about my books and articles.

Fire and Ash - LASR BEST BOOK of 2010 Nominee!

"This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with, and ensures you'll keep it on your shelf permanently and re-read often, which is why I have given it a Best Book rating." - Reviewed by Fennel @ LASR.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the nomination, and I thank Fennel for giving it such a wonderful review. You can read it here if you like: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/fire-and-ash-by-anne-patrick.html. A lot of hard work went into the creation of Fire and Ash. Several months of research were involved, which I couldn't have done without the help of a wonderful man named Keith Tarbox. He is the fire investigator I corroborated with to make sure I got my facts straight. His help was invaluable. Not only did he take time out of his busy schedule to answer all my questions he read the manuscript and made some suggestions that gave the book more depth than I originally intended. His insights and the real life experiences he shared helped me to get inside Sadie's head and really get to know her. In all honesty, this books success is due largely to his willingness to help out a nagging author. So Thank You, Keith!


If you'd like to vote for Fire and Ash here's the link: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/promo.htm the poll is open until February 27th.

And if you haven't read it yet, here is the book trailer and buy links.



Christianbook.com; Desert Breeze Publishing; Amazon; and Barnes & Noble.

And the winners are...

First of all I want to thank everyone who has participated in the contest. I enjoyed reading all your favorite Valentine Day memories. They were all wonderful. Secondly, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I wish I could give free Kindles to all who joined in the fun. But since I can't I guess it's time to announce that one special winner...and that person is *drum roll*...

Lucy McIntire, you've won the Kindle WiFi.

*balloons fall from the ceiling and everyone cheers*.

Now for the other winners...*another drum roll*...

Irene Jacobson, you've won the $20 Gift Certificate.

SheilaG, z.Smith, and NatilieU – you've won your choice of one of my ebooks.

*more balloons fall from the ceiling and everyone cheers again*

Congratulations! You all will be receiving an email from me shortly. In the event that Lucy or any of the other winners do not get back to me within a week's time, alternate winners will be drawn. Thanks again, everyone! I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!

Interview with Laurie Alice Eakes

Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes wanted to be a writer since knowing what one was. Her first book won the National Readers Choice Award in 2007, and her third book was a Carol Award finalist in 2010. Between December of 2008 and January of 2010, she sold thirteen books to Barbour Publishing, Avalon Books, and Baker/Revell, making her total sales fifteen. Recently, she added a novella to that collection, as well as having her first book with Baker/Revell, Lady in the Mist, picked up by Crossings Book Club, and three of her books chosen for large print editions by Thorndike Press. She has been a public speaker for as long as she can remember; thus, only suffers enough stage fright to keep her sharp. In 2002, while in graduate school for writing fiction, she began to teach fiction in person and online. She lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs, and too many cats even for her. http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer, Laurie?

[Laurie] I think I was about ten or eleven. I was a poet then, but starting to dabble in fiction.

[Anne] Will you tell us about your latest book.

[Laurie] Lady in the Mist is the first book in The Midwives series. On her way home from a disastrous lying-in, midwife Tabitha Eckles encounters an Englishman in the early morning mist where no Englishman should be in 1809, as England and America rush toward another war. Consequences of the lying-in she's just left and the charming, but possibly deadly, stranger, and the young men disappearing from the village on the Virginia shoreline, plunge Tabitha into a world of intrigue and danger, where she has hard lessons to learn about love and self-forgiveness.
[Anne] What inspired you to write this story?

[Laurie] Would you believe a project I wrote in graduate school for history? It was on midwives in history, and the more I researched, the more I realized how fascinating these women were. "Women of Power" is what I called my paper. You can read more about that journey on the Romantic Times blog on Feb. 8, and even more detail on my own blog from the January 3 posting. www.seizethechance.blogspot.com

[Anne] How did you go about researching your book?

[Laurie] I read books, diaries, obituaries, books published from as long ago as the 1670s. . . an overwhelming cornucopia of materials from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Being at a university, I had access to a rich assortment not open to the general public, as a rule.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Laurie] Oh, yes. From December, 2008 and Jan. 2010, I signed contracts for thirteen novels. In January, I sold two novellas. Right now, I'm writing the second of my career ladies series for Avalon Books, then will start my second Regency for Baker/Revell (the first one, A Necessary Deception is out in October of this year), and I just turned in my second book in the Midwives series, also from Baker/Revell.

[Anne] Wow! Congratulations on your wonderful success! What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

[Laurie] I am a definite plotter. When I started getting methodical about this, I started selling books. With my schedule—three novels and two novellas to write in 2011—outlining first makes the process go much faster.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you choose to be and why?

[Laurie] Oh, Tabitha, because she gets Dominick. LOL

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

[Laurie] Great Britain—all of it—England, Scotland, Wales. I've been to continental Europe three times, but have never gotten to Great Britain.

[Anne] Oh, I'd love to go to England, too. What type of books do you like to read when you're not writing?

[Laurie] I read a lot of mysteries and young adult because I don't write those, so I'm not constantly second-guessing the author; however, I do read in my own historical romance genre and wish more had suspense, as my books do. I love a good suspense plot.

[Anne] Name three things you can't live without (excluding spouses and family because that's a given).

[Laurie] Books, pets, . . . hmm. . . It's a toss-up between coffee and chocolate.

[Anne] Great choices, but I'd have to go with the chocolate :-). What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?

[Laurie] Finish something. It's the best advice I ever got and I pass it along.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Laurie] http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books?

[Laurie] Anywhere you purchase books—cbd.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, your local bookstore.

[Anne] Is there anything else you'd like to add?

[Laurie] If you drop by my web site, I have excerpts from all my books up there. As soon as I get the final edition of my next book cover, I'll be updating and changing things a bit, too, so do come and enjoy.

Thank you, Laurie!  I want to wish you continued success in your writing career.

New Reviews & Awards for Fire and Ash

January was a fantastic month! Fire and Ash received a Four Star review from Romantic Times, and a couple of Five Star reviews over at GoodReads. It also won Love Romances Cafe's 'Best of 2010''s award for Best Suspense/Mysery and it placed 6th in P & E's 'Best Mystery/Suspense. How awesome is that! I want to thank everyone who voted for it. Your support is very much appreciated!!!
If you haven't purchased it yet, you can pick up a copy at Christianbook.com (where it's the #1 bestselling suspense ebook), my publisher, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Since it's been a while since I've posted anything personal I thought I'd bring you up to date on current and upcoming projects. Are ya ready? Okay, here we go. My short story, Dangerous Deception, will be coming out in March in a Mystery/Suspense Anthology by Victory Tales Press. My full-length novel, A Familiar Evil, will release in May. Then come November, Kill Shot, the first book in my 'Wounded Heroes Series', will be released. This five-book series is under contract with Desert Breeze Publishing, and is my first multi-book sale. Yaay! I'm in the process of getting to know all my characters now. And what an interesting bunch they are. This venture is quite a challenge to me because as a panster I never plot anything. So I won't drive myself nuts keeping up with everyone, and who did what to whom, I've decided to be more organized (if that's possible) and come up with a basic outline for each book. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

I don't remember if I mentioned it or not but beginning in March I'm going to a new format here on my blog. Instead of weekly author interviews, I'll have an 'Author of the Month'. I'll start with an interview, different than my usual, and in the following weeks you'll have the chance to learn more about the author and their books. Also, for those who post comments throughout the month, you'll have a chance to win a copy of one of their books. Cool, eh?

If you're an author who is interested in participating in my monthly spotlight, drop me a line via the contact form on my website or email me at: annepatrick07[at]yahoo[dot]com. You don't have to write mystery or suspense, but I would prefer only sweet to slightly sensual romances please.

Have you entered my Valentine Kindle Giveaway yet? Time is running out. For complete details of the giveaway, click on the Kindle in the sidebar.

In closing, I want to thank you all for your kind comments and emails. I appreciate each of you.

Anne